Introduction
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal to serve your family? Look no further than Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole! This dish takes the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforms them into a hearty casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With layers of tender chicken, savory ham, gooey cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your loved ones to a special meal, Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole is the perfect choice. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly irresistible, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients you’ll need to make Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole, the step-by-step instructions for preparing it, some variations to customize the recipe to your preferences, helpful tips for success, and finally, some frequently asked questions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to dive into the world of Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole!
Ingredients
Before you begin making Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Thinly sliced deli ham
– Swiss cheese slices
– All-purpose flour
– Butter
– Chicken broth
– Milk
– Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper
– Panko breadcrumbs
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Steps
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them with salt and pepper.
3. Layer the ham and Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast and roll them up tightly.
4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make a creamy sauce.
6. Place the rolled chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
7. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken breasts and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
While the classic Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, you can always experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique twist on the recipe:
– Substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyere or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
– Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra depth of flavor and nutrients.
– Use turkey or prosciutto instead of ham for a different take on the traditional dish.
– Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb topping for a fragrant finish.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
– Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
– Use quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
– Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Feel free to double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later on.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a convenient casserole format. With layers of tender chicken, savory ham, gooey cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a cozy homemade meal, this casserole is a perfect choice.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article and experimenting with different variations, you can create a Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. With a few helpful tips in mind, you can ensure that your casserole turns out perfectly every time, making it a go-to recipe in your household.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this casserole?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy days.
Q: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can easily swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free-friendly without compromising on taste or texture.
Q: What side dishes pair well with Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole?
A: This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
Cheesy Chicken Cordon Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole dish inspired by Chicken Cordon Bleu, featuring tender chicken, savory ham, gooey cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
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6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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12 slices thinly sliced deli ham
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12 Swiss cheese slices
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup butter
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
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Layer ham and Swiss cheese on each chicken breast and roll tightly.
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In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux.
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Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for sauce.
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Place rolled chicken breasts in the baking dish, pour sauce over them.
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Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
